Planning to buy macbook pro for logic - dual or quad?

Hi
I am planning to buy a MBP, my budget is tight, as I also will have to upgrade
Logic and Native Instruments stuff to run on the new machine.
If I buy the 15'' 2.8 Ghz dual core, I will upgrade to 8GB right away.
I guess the 15'' 2.4 Ghz quad core should be faster, but then I might have
to defer upgrading to 8 GB (but it will done for sure at some point).
Does Logic take advantage of quad core surplus performance?
What do you guys suggest?
Thanks a lot

I was pondering the same decision, and was "steered" by an Apple salesperson to a Mac Mini with Lion Server instead.
How could I give up a laptop? Easy: as I travel less and less for business, and this way I get quad-core, i7 performance for under a grand. Add 8GB of RAM, and swap out one of the two 500GB drives for a fast SSD (such as one from OWC), and you have a perfect combo for Logic Studio.
If I really need a laptop in the future, I'll probably go for an refurb i5 Air, when they drop a little in price.
Cheers!
Tony.

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An Intel iMac AND a MacBook Pro for Logic Pro?

I am torturing myself over this issue lately so any input you guys could offer would be welcome!
This is the situation:
After 3 months of serious debating whether to purchase a 20" Intel iMac or a MacBook Pro for Logic Pro, I went ahead about 3 weeks ago and got the iMac. My reasoning behind this was that even though I found the portability of the MBP very desirable, the iMac simply represented a better value with the big screen and bigger hard drive. Since getting it, I must say I love this machine and I have not had one single problem with it. Logic 7.2 runs like a dream on it. By the way, aside from maintaing my iTunes Library, occasional iLife stuff and web surfing with Safari, this iMac is for music production only.
But here's the problem:
Still, I can't seem to shake the desire for OCCASSIONAL portability. Keep in mind, I am only a "serious" music hobbyist; I create instrumental hip-hop, trip-hop, electronica style of music mainly with software instruments, loops and breakbeats. So needless to say, I don't tour or do a lot of travelling. But the prospect of being able to compose tracks or make beats in Logic anywhere is DESIRABLE to say the least. I could compose while sitting on the couch watching a game or laying in bed - even though I have no idea of how often I'd actually do that, just having the ability to do it is VERY APPEALING to me. Throw in the fact that the iMac currently shares deskspace with a PC that my wife uses - meaning that I often have to stop what I'm doing to let her use the space. With a laptop, I could move and still continue my flow. Lastly, I unfortunately have bad knees and a bad back so after a couple of hours (or 3 or 4) of sitting at the desk working on Logic, I am seriously hurting. Not comfortable at all. At least owning a MacBook would give me the option to move around to some place more comfortable if I desire.
So...
Even though I recently bought a wonderful iMac that works great, I'm seriously considering getting a 1.83 MBP with at least 1GB of RAM and the 100GB/7200 RPM drive to accompany it just for the portability factor. Sure, I could get a used G4 PowerBook or iBook, but all I own is the Universal Binary of Logic Pro; I would have a hard time accepting the decrease in speed I've gotten use to on the Core Duo. Besides, I inherently have a problem buying something (even used) that I know is old and out of date when the latest and greatest is available.
So here is the $25,000 question: Am I nuts for even considering this? Am I placing too much of a premium on the portability as I would use it?
This could easily be justified if I was a working musician on the road, but that ain't me. And you can believe that I'm definately not rich and thus don't have money lying around.
But I have obsessed over this so much lately, I feel that I almost have to get it just to put my mind at ease! I even briefly considered putting the iMac on eBay and just buying a MBP to replace it, but I love the screen real estate I get with the 20" iMac and I question if I'll be truly satisfied with a 15.4" screen FULL TIME. 17" might be better, but I doubt if I can wait until June for them to arrive. In addition, everything would connected via my wireless LAN and .Mac so file sharing should not be an issue.
Help!!!
What would you do? Sell the iMac or just get a MBP as cheap as I can?
Opinions, Please!
20" iMac Core Duo, 2GHz, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB HD, 128MB VRAM Mac OS X (10.4.4)

I love the portability my powerbook gives me. You can use a PB in your setup. You can run an external monitor for either PB or MBP. You can node. Universal Binary menas it is an application which has the components written for both PPC and Intel chips-so you don't need to do conversion. Nodes won't require you buy a nother license. so the answer is down to how much the 2 upgrades and 1 crossgrades will set you back vs how much use you'll get out of them. IMO the iMac is inexpensive (I mean that in a good way-worth hooding on to). Maybe just look at a refurb PB unless you really have the extra cash.

I am planning to buy macbook pro,as i am working as a oracle developer,so i want to ask will i be able to install oracle 10G or above versions on my mac...??

i am planning to buy macbook pro,as i am working as a oracle developer,so i want to ask will i be able to install oracle 10G or above versions on my mac...??

did you get a satisfactory response on your question re oracle 10g on os x snow leopard? I am curious as I have been 'struggling' with it for a few days now. To my experience thusfar, the oracle files provided are not up to date with current java versions or os x leopard and require some tweaking. my own answer to your question is that it does appear that you can install and run oracle 10g on mac os x snow leopard, but it seems to be a little hacky to get through it all. Some information here, other information there, haven't yet found a single source that has all the play by play and gotcha fixes documented. I am rsisting nuking my debian install on amd64 just to put fedoracore which does appear to be a supported env for oracle 10 on linux.

Hi. I am preparing for CA Bar Exam. I am considering buying MacBook Pro for exam writing. One is 13 inch 1499 dollar 2.5 GHz 8GB, the other is 15 inch MacBook Pro 2.7 GHz 2799 dollar 16 GB. Both are retina. Which one is better for me?

Hi. I am preparing for CA Bar Exam. I am considering buying MacBook Pro for exam writing. One is 13 inch 1499 dollar 2.5 GHz 8GB, the other is 15 inch MacBook Pro 2.7 GHz 2799 dollar 16 GB. Both are retina. Which one is better for me?
I will use Barclays Card for 18 month free interest.
I wil ask Apple clerk to avoid LG monitor.
I will buy those in Apple store.
Which one will you recommend?

Tha's something you need to decide for yourself.
Do you think you need 16GB of memory or 8 will be enough?
Do you need to carry your macbook around with you more often? if so just get the 13" it's easier to carry.
Or maybe you enjoy watching media on a bigger screen?
As for word processing it shouldn't be a problem on both notebooks.
Also can you afford buying the 15"?
And what about the hard drive capacity?
So my advice is to consider these aspects, make a list of pros and cons and see what you come up with

MacBook Pro for Logic? Best configuration?

Hi everyone,
Thanks in advance for any thoughts about this.
I’m ready to upgrade my 7-year-old PowerBook G4 (which has served me so very well) to something more current. Logic Pro will be a primary use of the new Mac. With my understanding of ports and busses and the requirements of a DAW, I’m wondering about best configurations for a Mac DAW.
I generally record one, two or maybe three audio tracks at once, then add a bunch of software instruments (drums/percussion, strings, horns, pads, etc.) to craft a song. It would be nice, though, to have the possibility of recording a live drum kit or even a live band (so up to 16 tracks at once).
Aside from CPU speed, number of cores, memory, etc., my understanding is that there are two critical pieces of technology required for a well performing DAW. First is an audio interface. Second is fast storage for reading/writing audio files.
My preference is to upgrade to another Mac laptop and I’m thinking about the latest i7 MacBook Pro, 15”. I don’t want the 17” because it’s too big and heavy and I’ll be using an external monitor most of the time. (Still would like the portability of a laptop, so would rather not go with an iMac or Mac Pro.)
My concern is that the 15” MBP does not have the ExpressCard/34 slot. Without this slot there’s only one USB buss and one Firewire buss to connect a hard drive and audio interface. So either of these devices would be limited by the maximum speed of USB 2. If the 15” had an ExpressCard/34 slot, I would put a Firewire audio interface on the FW port, then buy either a FW 800 or USB 3 ExpressCard and attach an external drive to it.
So my first question is: given only FW 800 and USB 2, what would be the capabilities of audio recording on a latest i7 MBP? Would you attach an audio interface to FW 800 and an external drive to USB 2, or the other way around? Most FW audio interfaces I’ve seen support only FW 400, so would it make more sense to attach an audio interface to USB 2 and a FW 800 drive to FW 800?
Whichever the best option, does anyone have a rough sense for how many audio tracks could be recorded and played back with an optimally configured i7 MBP?
Another question: Is it possible to remove the DVD drive of a MBP and replace it with a hard drive? If so, would the buss be capable of FW 800 speeds? (I’m assuming the DVD drive connection to the MBP is an independent buss not to be affected by other devices.) I guess a FW 800 controller of some sort would be necessary? If this is an option, then one could have two independent busses for storage access and audio interface, both functioning at FW 800 speeds?
Last question: Would using a SSD as either the internal drive or an external be particularly helpful in this situation?
I hope this all makes sense. I’ve used a Yamaha AW4416 for recording for years and I’m a little queasy about switching to a DAW because of potential latency and performance issues. One option would be to sync my AW4416 to Logic Pro, use the AW4416 for recording tracks, then transfer the audio files to the Mac for mixing with Logic Pro.
Many thanks for any opinions, feedback. Very much appreciated.
Tim

Phew - long post! Let me try and find your questions...
So my first question is: given only FW 800 and USB 2, what would be the capabilities of audio recording on a latest i7 MBP? Would you attach an audio interface to FW 800 and an external drive to USB 2, or the other way around? Most FW audio interfaces I’ve seen support only FW 400, so would it make more sense to attach an audio interface to USB 2 and a FW 800 drive to FW 800?
I would go: FW800 -> FW800 Drive -> FW400 Audio interface.
Whichever the best option, does anyone have a rough sense for how many audio tracks could be recorded and played back with an optimally configured i7 MBP?
It all depends on what a track is. There is a different between one 16/44 audio track on it's own, a 24/96 audio track loaded with plugins, and a heavy software instrument track with high polyphony and loads of plugins.
In terms of raw tracks, you can get way more than you will practically need. Yes, they shouldn't have dropped eSata (I'm keeping my older MBP for this reason - I can connect eSata drives or my UAD2 depending on my needs)
Another question: Is it possible to remove the DVD drive of a MBP and replace it with a hard drive?
Yes, but it may void your warranty, depending on how you do it.
If so, would the buss be capable of FW 800 speeds?
Internal drives are SATA, much faster than FW800 in general. Throughput mostly depends on drive speed and performance, more than any bus speed limitations.
(I’m assuming the DVD drive connection to the MBP is an independent buss not to be affected by other devices.)
Not sure on that. Optical media are very slow devices anyway...
I guess a FW 800 controller of some sort would be necessary?
Internal drives have nothing at all to do with FW.
If this is an option, then one could have two independent busses for storage access and audio interface, both functioning at FW 800 speeds?
To be honest, unless you are planning massive projects, you'll be fine with an external FW800 drive. If you are planning on doing large projects that one FW800 can't cope with, then you shouldn't be looking at a laptop, you should be looking at a Mac Pro.
I think you're probably worrying too much - a well specced MBP sensibly configured is a very capable machine.
Last question: Would using a SSD as either the internal drive or an external be particularly helpful in this situation?
I'm still dubious to how SSD's will hold up in the long run - they haven't been around very long, and I'm concerned about the limited lifespans (maximum number of writes etc). I wouldn't go there personally, not yet.
I’ve used a Yamaha AW4416 for recording for years and I’m a little queasy about switching to a DAW because of potential latency and performance issues. One option would be to sync my AW4416 to Logic Pro, use the AW4416 for recording tracks, then transfer the audio files to the Mac for mixing with Logic Pro.
Once you're comfortable with Logic, you won't go back, I'm reasonably sure of that...

2.3ghz vs. 2.6ghz MacBook Pro for Logic

I plan on buying a new 15" MacBook Pro (with 8 gigs of Ram) and will primarily be using it for Logic. Is spending the extra money for the 2.6ghz model vs the 2.3ghz really worth it or will it not really make much of a difference? Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

You won't see that huge of a difference. I don't know exactly what you're doing with Logic but I'm using a 2010 13" pro and I've never maxed out pc usage. From benchmarks though I think it was only a 13 percent uptick with the 2.6ghz

Macbook pro for (Logic pro x & Photoshop)

hello everyone,
So i currently have the 13" Macbook pro 2.4 ghz with 16gb Ram i5 500gb late 2011 model.I am interested in purchasing the 2014 2.6 ghz 8gb ram ssd i5, 128gb with retina (i also have 1 TB external hard drive that i use ).I work with Logic pro x a lot and use mostly a external piano to plug in and make instrumentals and record vocals through my apogee duet,i also use it for Photoshop as a free lancer to do web designs.My question to everyone is that ,am i wasting my money with getting the newer macbook pro or am i making a solid investment with what it has to offer.Is it worth buying? Thank you

...or not...? Hmmm...
http://browser.primatelabs.com/mac-benchmarks

Which new MacBook Pro for Logic 9 bigger sessions?

Hello!
I'm fixin to buy a new MacBook Pro to make records while on the run. I generally work in Logic 9.1.7 with many layers of VSL, Guitar Rig, and Battery and such and have hit the limit at times on my old machine. Can anybody weigh in on which new model to buy? retina or not? specs?
you rock.
Grabbin'

Ram & HD speed will make the most difference with audio recording, although you could always use an external drive to record on. You could buy the On-the-Go USB3 2.5 external drive and it will fit in your hand and allow for a lot of tracks. Buy a 2.5 drive with 7200 RPM for that external drive. You could also load the MBP with an SSD HD and 16 Gigs of RAM and have all the speed in the world.
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I want to buy MacBook Pro for Photography i.e. for managing images and editing images through Photoshop or other photo editing softwares. I read in previous Q&A that for Photograpy, it's advisable to buy Anti Glare screen. Now with new MacBook Pro with Retina display, I am confused which one to buy - new MacBook Pro with Retina Display or the previous version MacBook Pro with Anti Glare. Please advise. Also suggest a acceptable configuration for Processor Speed, Memory and Graphics Card.

Before I bought my MBP as my platform to show my photos, I read many reviews. I found them to be most confusing because the reviews were using the same reasoning to support both screens.
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Hey I'm planning to buy a Mac for college.. I game quite often and do my classworks, movies, music and browse the web.I have two options
Macbook air i7 1.7ghz,4gb
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Regards....
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Hey I'm planning to buy a Mac for college.. I game quite often and do my classworks, movies, music and browse the web.I have two options
Macbook air i7 1.7ghz,4gb
Macbook pro 2.4ghz i5,8gb
I like the slight edge on iris graphics ..on the other hand I like the MBAs battery life.. I'm confused ..suggest me a good pick please...
Regards....
PS:I also heard the MBA overheats coz it lacks proper ventilation when choosing an i7 processor and also depletes the battery

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No need to type in all caps - we HEAR you!
I would take a look at the internal drives offered by both Crucial (click the link "Internal Hard Drives Now Available") and OWC. I would stay away from Western Digital drives as they seem to have problems on a number of Mac models.
You can also shop for RAM at Crucial and OWC - just select the System Scanner tab at the Crucial website to find out which memory is right for your machine.
Good luck,
Clinton

I Want to Buy MacBook Pro 15" In Installments Can Anyone Here Tell me The Plans Of Installments

I Want to Buy MacBook Pro 15" In Installments Can Anyone Here Tell me The Plans Of Installments... Please Give Me Proper Information With Interest..
Thanks In Advance

Hello,
Apple offers a Barclay's VISA card that provides 6-12 months at 0% interest on your first purchase from Apple. You can even sign up for the card & get approved at the same time that you place your order.
If your purchase is under $999 USD you get 6 months at 0% interest. If more than $999 you get 12 months at 0% interest. As long as you make the minimum payment on time every month you continue at 0% until the promotional period runs out.
Note: if any payment is late or you don't pay off the balance within the promotional period, you get charged all the interest that accrued from day one; as of today that rate is over 22%, so it is important to make all your payments on time and pay off of the full balance before the end of the promotional period.
Last year I applied for the card at the same time I ordered my iMac; got approved immediately; and then set up an automatic payment every month with Barclays so I wouldn't risk being late; and then I paid off the remaining balance 30 days before the end of the promotional period. Everything went smoothly, Barclays' online system worked perfectly; they did not play any billing tricks nor did they ever spam me with junk promotions. Recently they offered another 12 months at 0% financing, so it's not just a one time offer!
Your profile doesn't say where you are located, so if you are outside the USA you will need to check the Apple website for your country to see if there is a similar financing offer in your location.

I am going to buy a macbook pro for grade 12, and I need to know wheather I should get a macbook pro or a macbook pro retina. If someone could tell me (in a very simple way) which one is,better for me and why, I would be ever so apprreciative.

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Why do you need a expensive MacBook Pro?
Your attending high school and unless everyone else is rich also your likely going to be a target by the more poorer students for theft or damage to the machine.
You could keep it home, but if you need it for class then your exposed again.
Also at that age your not very careful yet, a MacBook Pro is a expensive and easily damaged machine.
Unless your made of money and so are others at your school, I would recommned a low profile, just does the job cheap Windows PC.
If it dies, gets lost, stolen or damaged because of your inexperince handling senstivie electronics then it's no big deal.
You can buy a Mac later on when your sure you have a need for it, currently there isn't much advantage of owning a Mac compared to a PC, they do just about the same things now, one just looks prettier than the other.
Since 95% of the world uses Windows PC's your going to have to install Windows on the Mac in order to keep your skills up there or be unemployed, so it's a extra headache and expense.
good luck

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SANCHIT

You're asking in the wrong place. This is a user forum and contains no official information from Apple. I suggest you contact an authorized Apple dealer in your country.

Planning to buy macbook pro for logic - dual or quad?

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